ProRodeo Sports News - May 26, 2023

MILES CITY, MONT.

WORLD FAMOUS BUCKING HORSE SALE Thurston’s love for the sport keeps him winning True Passion BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News B ruises speckle the body. Pain defines days. Seconds feel like hours when a living is based on the tick, tock of the clock. It’s like this in the rodeo arena. It is not for the faint of heart or the low tolerance of pain. ZekeThurston, by way of Alberta, Canada, fell in love with

the sport long ago. And no one performed better in saddle bronc riding than Thurston last season as he claimed his third world title, joining crowns in 2016 and 2019. What motivates the 28-year-old with a bloated resume as he sits in the prime of his career? “I just really love competing. And I love to win,” Thurston said. “And obviously, it’s how I make my living. And yes, it’s a great way to live, way better than a regular job.” Thurston’s passion is his profession. His ability to embrace the process and slow his heartbeat in the biggest moments continues to translate into success. At the recent World Famous Miles City (Mont.) Bucking Horse Matched Xtreme Bronc Ride, Thurston delivered a 91-point ride on Burch Rodeo’s Lunatic FromHell in the finals to secure the title. It proved the perfect match of poise and horse – the winning rider has ridden Lunatic FromHell in the event five of the last six years. “And the one year he didn’t win it, he was part of a re-ride. So, five out of six? That’s a pretty good average for a horse. It was a really good ride,” Thurston said. “He kind of bailed out of there and had a really good day. He stayed with it. I have been on that horse a few times prior. So, I knew about him, but it was like five-to-six years ago, so it’s been a while.” Thurston needed a big score to triumph. Once he enters the chute, he becomes the equivalent of a deep breath. “I just try to keep a pretty cool head and focus on my job,” Thurston said. “That works best for me.” It remains impossible to question the results. Thurston is an eight-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He earned a saddle bronc PRCA-record earnings mark at $399,916 last season. This year he has posted wins at the La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz., and, most recently, in Montana. The Xtreme events resonate with the world champion because of the field. This was not your ordinary rodeo. “The Xtreme events are really cool. It’s a real sporty event: 30 of the best guys in the world getting on great bucking horses. It’s good watching,”Thurston said. “It was really good. There were people around everywhere cheering.” Thurston’s 91-point ride in the finals was enough to edge Sage Newman (89.5 points) for the title. Winning is a habit for Thurston. The cowboy owns a resume that widens eyes even among stars. He has earned nearly $2 million in his career. He also won his second average title at the 2022 NFR, while winning the RAMTop Gun Award. “I am not usually an average-kind-of guy. It definitely helps. But I darn sure didn’t (go) there with the mindset to win the average. When it comes down to it, it can make-or-break you,” Thurston explained. The consistency paid off. It’s easy to see the same thing unfolding this summer as the season heats up. Up next is a first-time Xtreme Broncs event in Palmer, Alaska. It’s a new event, but Thurston has the plan to post the same old results. “It will be more of the same. I want to keep the ball rolling,” Thurston said, “and keep doing what we are doing.”

Jackie Jensen photo Zeke Thurston had a 91-point trip on Burch Rodeo’s Lunatic From Hell in the finals to secure the title at the World Famous Miles City (Mont.) Bucking Horse Matched Xtreme Bronc Ride, May 21.

Complete results/Page 54

ProRodeo Sports News 5/26/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 5/26/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo.com

34

35